Vinhomes Green Paradise has been recognized by New7Wonders as the first Official Participant worldwide in its "7 Wonders of Future Cities" campaign, a distinction that positions the 2,870-hectare coastal development in Can Gio, Vietnam, as a potential global model for sustainable urbanization. The recognition, announced via Media OutReach Newswire, matters because it highlights a growing international consensus that cities must be designed to coexist with natural ecosystems rather than displace them. As urbanization accelerates and climate pressures mount, the campaign's global voting phase, opening October 31, 2026, will offer a referendum on which urban visions are deemed most worthy of emulation.
The project's candidacy rests on three pillars: Environment & Nature, Smart Cities, and People-Centered Development. Its environmental credentials are anchored in a rare setting that fronts the sea and borders the 75,000-hectare Can Gio Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-recognized site. With a building density of just 16% and an 800-hectare natural saltwater lagoon at its heart, the development devotes substantial land to greenery and water. This approach directly addresses findings from the One Ocean Foundation's Ocean Impact Initiative report, which notes that approximately 70% of the world's largest megacities lie within 60 kilometers of the coast and face growing climate-related risks. By conserving and regenerating the mangrove ecosystem, Vinhomes Green Paradise aims to strengthen a natural green shield while supporting Ho Chi Minh City's broader climate-adaptation strategy.
On the smart cities front, the project integrates the Internet of Things, big data, and artificial intelligence into urban management, operations, and environmental monitoring. The people-centered pillar is embodied in an ecosystem of internationally oriented healthcare, education, senior living, and leisure amenities. Future residents would have access to Vinmec's collaboration with Cleveland Clinic, Vinschool and Brighton College, and a range of cultural and entertainment offerings including the Blue Waves Theatre and VinWonders complex. Such integrated planning reflects a philosophy of placing human well-being at the core of urban design, a principle that could influence how future developments are structured globally.
What sets the project apart is its enhanced ESG++ framework, which goes beyond conventional sustainability compliance to include Regeneration and Climate Adaptation. Concrete measures include K-DPM technology that transforms dredged sediment into durable fill material, a target of 100% clean electricity from offshore wind and solar, and a net-zero-emission internal mobility model. A Forest Regeneration and Climate Adaptation Fund has been established to support long-term research and restoration of the Can Gio mangrove forest. The project is also pursuing BREEAM and ISO 37122 certifications. These initiatives signal that the development aims to become a global reference point for coastal cities, potentially raising the bar for competitors worldwide.
Jean-Paul de la Fuente, Director of New7Wonders and Chairman of the campaign, described the certification as a symbolic moment and an opportunity to witness an exceptional urban environment where nature, people, and technology are integrated in harmony. Nguyen Thu Hang, CEO of Vinhomes, said the three pillars are guiding principles for creating a world-class urban landmark. As the first Official Participant, Vinhomes Green Paradise has already begun its journey, with more information available at https://vinhomes.vn/en. The global vote will determine whether this vision of a city built as part of a living ecosystem resonates with global citizens, but its early recognition already underscores a pivotal shift in urban development priorities.
